Meetups

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Wikimedia Meetups are planned or spontaneous gatherings of Wikimedians to discuss ideas, collaborate on articles, create a new wikiproject, meet new people or just simply be. This page is for coordinating, and eventually archiving, meetups at Wikimania 2012. It is referenced in the conference program and where folks will be sent for updates on Meetups.

Organizing a meetup

There are tips available on Wikipedia for organizing meetups. However, the idea is relatively simple, get a group of Wikimedians together who share a common interest or quality into a room together and discuss said interest or quality. Connecting that discussion to the world of Wikimedia is a nice bonus, but community building for the sake of community is fine too.

Keep in mind

There will be a designated gathering place - details coming soon. Note that this place is just for gathering and not for holding the meeting. You are responsible for finding your own room to use for the actual meetup.

The rooms used for Wikimania workshops and activities are not available after 7:00pm.

Not everyone can get into bars or pay for a complete restaurant meal - please be respectful and accommodating of all interested participants.

Wikipedia in Education

Description: We would like to invite Wikipedians, different Wikimedia chapters and everybody else interested to discuss ideas addressing different target groups for Wikipedia. The idea is that the diversity of target groups can enrich educational efforts. As a kick-off, Wikimedia Deutschland will present some of its ideas and will enrich them with the whole range of experiences already existing in other chapters. We would like to share knowledge about education to get a better idea of what "Wikipedia in education" could mean to all of us. Come and bring your ideas and experiences!

Wikimania Scholarships

Description: Every year, WMF spends over $100K on scholarships to attend Wikimania and chapters often contribute quite a bit to scholarships as well. We want this process to be as fair and smooth as possible - let's brainstorm on how to make it better! The big topic of conversation will be around the Selection Committee.

Bias and knowledge diversity: Wikipedia is representing the knowledge of whom?

Description: Following a well visited and very productive session about the same topic at the Wikipedia Academy 2012 in Berlin, we want to discuss (apart from the gender issue) #1. for which part of the (world) population which part of the knowledge in Wikipedia is actually representing their viewpoints, as well as facts and issues of interest #2. if a misrepresentation is really a problem and if yes, to what extend, #3. if the diversity of knowledge inherent in the articles contents in different languages (and related, cultures) should be made available to other language editions' readers so they can take a different perspective on topics, #4. if readers need more transparency in who is actually writing the content they read and which tools could help, #5. all other issues related to this problem space that you bring to the table.

Encyclopedia seeks Women!

Date and time: Friday, July 13th, 4:30 pm. - as long as we want to discuss

Where: At the Wikimedia Deutschland Booth in the Continental Ballroom

Description: One of the important aims in 2012 is to enthuse more women for Wikipedia or related projects. Let´s talk about the current situation of Wikimedia Germany, how we try to get more women and why we think this is important. And of course we are interested in what you do in your chapters or what you plan to do. Come over, have a coffee with us and let´s talk!

Semantic MediaWiki Meetup

Description: Learn about Semantic MediaWiki and some of its uses, and meet SMW users and developers (whether or not you're one of those already). We'll try to recreate the SMWCon experience on a small scale. Light snacks will be included, and then we might go out for dinner afterwards. If you're interested, please add your name on the Semantic MediaWiki Meetup page.

Commons as an umbrella for social transformation: Wikimedia and free knowledge as digital commons

Date & Time: Friday, July 13th, 16:30pm-18:30pm

Location: 301

Description: There is an each time larger emerging Commons paradigm. It builds upon commons tradition such as the natural commons well described by Nobel Economic Prize 2009 Elinor Ostrom, and it is reinvented by the new models of digital commons, such as Wikipedia. In this regard, we would like to reflect and exchange experiences and lessons on how commons as metaphor and umbrella for social transformation might open up new opportunities for Wikipedia/Wikimedia meaning, impact, expansion and networking.

Round of presentations and interest why attending a workshop on commons from the audience.

Short interventions:

Introduction to the commons tradition, the current stage of developments and an a map of the different conceptions of commons. Additionally, presentation and reporting of the experience and main insights of the First International Forum on Digital Commons by Mayo Fuster Morell

Dispute Resolution Workshop

Our dispute resolution process is our collective tool for content disputes, and its importance cannot be understated. Steven Zhang, Wikimedia Fellow, and Lord Roem, of the Mediation Committee, will be hosting a workshop for interested Wikimedians to learn dispute resolution techniques - ways they can tackle and resolve disputes, along with general discussion about dispute resolution, and a get-together. Refreshments provided.

Wikimedia Asia

Wikimedia Asia project is having its annual lunch gathering at Wikimania again! All Wikimania attendees from Asia are invited; those interested in the development of Wikimedia in Asia are also welcome. We will discuss collaborations between Asian Wikimedia chapters for the coming year, including Wikimania 2013 in Hong Kong.

Joining Hands with Communities

Date and time: Saturday, July 14th, 5:45 pm. - as long as we want to discuss

Where: At the Wikimedia Deutschland Booth in the Continental Ballroom

Description: It is a fundamental of Wikimedia's work and one of its most basic and advanced tasks at the same time: to act supportive to volunteers in the communities of Free Knowledge in all the many ways they can make use of it. There is an hilarious amount of opportunities and ideas and Wikimedia Deutschland realized some of them. But what are the structures making sure that we serve volunteers and communities the best way? Discuss the things we already do and share your ideas and wants with us - let's make a difference!

(English) In order to better coordinate the actions of Francophone Wikimedia sister projects, we wish to form a task group which will include several chapters of French-speaking countries: France, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, etc. We will benefit from the presence of several francophone Wikimedians to meet us and discuss the future of such a group.

LGBT

Woohoo, it was a great success! 40 people joined in with the diversity discussion, way over our expectations, and many went on to have a fun night out at the most quiet LGBT bar in DC (which means you still had to shout). Check out the Outreach page for the mailing list details and to join in with developing future activities and discussion. Cheerio until next time :-D --Fæ

Description:Detailed Program You have always wanted to have a face-to-face conversation with like-minded people on topics like editor support, lobbying, CC licences or communications? Speed dating sessions at the booth will give you this chance. WMDE staff and board members will be there, ready to chat about specific topics, talk about best-practice and exchange experiences. Pass by and get involved in a fast-paced talk that might change your point of view on many things! You will have 5 minutes on 4 different topics every day.